Places to See
Sports Capital of the Pacific Northwest
Please refer to the Online Membership Directory for Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce member recreation and fitness service providers.
Community Events
Central Washington Sportsmen Show, Mid-February
White Pass Winter Carnival, March
Yakima River Canyon Marathon Run, First Saturday April
Yakima Ridges Ride Mid May, Northwest Yakima through Gleed and Naches
Your Canyon for a Day Bike Tour Third Weekend in May, Yakima River Canyon
Gap-to-Gap Relay Race First Saturday of June, Yakima Greenway
Tampico Grey Rock 25K and 50K Trail Run Second weekend in July
Yakima Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Weekend prior to Labor Day weekend, downtown Yakima
Flip Flop White River Rafting September, Tieton River
SunDome Valleyball Festival First weekend in September, Yakima Valley SunDome/YVCC Shearer Gym
Wine Country Trek Late September, Yakima to Prosser
Winter Race Series 4 races in December and January, Hardcore Runners Club
Public Lands
The Yakima Valley is surrounded by numerous recreation areas including Mount Rainier National Park; Mount Adams, Goat Rocks and William O. Douglas wilderness areas; the Wenatchee National Forest; Yakima Scenic River; many lakes and streams, as well as the Oak Creek, L.T. Murray, and Saddle Mountain wildlife areas; and the Hanford Reach National Monument. Others include the Ahtanum Multiple Use Area; Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge; Pacific Crest National Scenis Trail. http://www.publiclands.org/
Yakima Sports Commission
The Yakima Valley is a premiere sports destination hosting numerous sporting events and tournaments. For more sports event information contact the Yakima Sports Commission 509-573-3083,http://www.yakimasports.org/
Professional Sports
Enjoy Yakima Bears baseball at Yakima County Stadium from June through September. (509) 457-5151,http://www.yakimabears.com
The Yakima Mavericks play football at Zaepfel Stadium from March through May. nsop@charter.net
Enjoy Yakima Reds soccer at Marquet Stadium from April through September. (509) 453-2086,www.yakimareds.com
Yakima Speedway (509) 248-0647, www.yakimaspeedway.us
Renegade Raceway (April - September) (509) 877-4621, www.renegaderaceway.com
Golfing
The Yakima area has several golf courses open to the public. The moderate climate and 300 days of sunshine a year is ideal for this relaxing sport. Golf courses are easily accessible and provide unique experiences. Apple Tree, River Ridge, Suntides, Westwood West, and the Yakima Country Club.
Indoor Sports
Yakima enjoys many indoor sports - bowling, soccer, gymnastics, martial arts, tai chi, roller skating, swimming, tennis, miniature golf, arcade, batting cages, bumper boats, and go-karts.
Wildlife Viewing
The Yakima Area Wildlife View Guide is a comprehensive listing and map of sites for access, viewing and birding. 509-575-2740 wdfw.wa.gov/viewing/wildview.htm
The Oak Creek Wildlife Area has a winter elk feeding area with an interpretive center, allowing the public to closely approach the elk. 509-575-2740 http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/
Birders enjoy walks on the Yakima Greenway Path to see bald eagles, great blue herons, Canadian geese, mallard ducks, and the belted king fisher. 509-453-8280 http://www.yakimagreenway.com/
Chinook Pass, White Pass Yakama, and Yakima River Canyon are designated scenic byways. www.byways.org
Recreation Programs And Agencies
Yakima City Park 509-575-6020 www.ci.yakima.wa.us/services/parks
Bureau of Land Management Parking Permit Info 509-665-2100
Washington State Fish & Wildlife 509-575-2740
Washington State Sno-Park Permit Info 509-653-1400
US Forest Service 509-653-1400
The Yakima County Recreation Guide is the best map for outdoor recreational activities. It shows Forest Service roads; 4WD/ATV routes; motorcycle trails; hiking trails (non-motorized); snowmobile trails; cross-county ski trails; Green Dot roads; jeep trails; seasonal roads; wilderness areas; campgrounds, and horse camps. (509) 574-2990 www.yakimap.com/products
The Yakima Valley is blessed with natural beauty and scenic vistas. The Yakima Greenway, a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicycles, is a state-designated conservation area along ten miles of the Yakima River from Selah to Union Gap, and a pathway along the Naches River beside Highway 12. It includes 3,600 acres of natural and conservation areas, as well as developed parks and paved pathways. (509) 453-8280 http://www.yakimagreenway.org/
Other favorite local paths include Konnowac Pass Loop (28.6 miles); Wenas Lake Loop (36.6 miles); Naches Ramble (22.7 miles); Tour d'Heights (28.7 miles); and Buffalo Loop (29.8 miles).
Hiking
Yakima offers a variety of hiking paths, including ones to waterfalls, steep-walled canyons and open ridge tops. Colorful blooms of early season wildflowers such as balsamroot and phlox provide added beauty. TheCowiche Canyon Conservancy and Snow Mount Ranch, located just west of Yakima, offers trails to walk, bike, cross country ski, photograph, look at wildflowers, fly kites, and walk the dog. www.cowichecanyon.org
Meandering trails, open pine stands, and many inviting high country areas are a horseback rider's dream. The Wenatchee Forest, White Pass and Chinook Pass areas are some of the most popular areas. (509) 653-1400, www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee
Winter Activities
Excellent cross-crountry and Nordic skiing and snowboarding facilities are only 50 miles west of Yakima at White Pass. The White Pass Ski Resort offers 32 trails and an 18K Nordic network. Trail difficulty is 20 percent beginner, 60 percent intermediate, and 20 percent advanced. The average annual snowfall is 350 inches. The Summit elevation is 6,000 feet. 509-672-3101 http://www.skiwhitepass.com/
Boating
The Yakima area is a wonderful location for boating enthusiasts. The area has 71 rivers. Locations such as Rimrock Lake Reservoir, Bumping Lake, Columbia River, and the Yakima River are easily accessible. TheWashington State Accessible Outdoor Recreation Guide for South Central Region is a comprehensive list of Yakima area boating access sites. www.parks.wa.gov/ada-rec
Kayaking
Nestled along the Naches River, Eschback Park has great kayaking. Streams and ponds flow in and around this beautiful 50-acre park six miles northwest of Yakima. Kayak rentals are available. www.pan.co.yakima.wa.us/publicservices/parks
River Rafting
The Yakima River is popular for a leisurely river float and the Tieton River is known for the September whiteriver rafting adventures. During September large quantities of irrigation water are drawn to the Tieton River from the Rimrock Lake Reservoir creating a fast-paced intermediate run. Contact the Washington Outfitters and Guides Association for local professional river rafting services. http://www.woga.org/
Fishing
There are many other aquatic habitats perfect for fishing ranging from alpine lakes and streams to warm-water lakes and ponds. Higher elevation streams host rainbow, cut-throat, and brook trout. The Yakima region’s lakes offer fair to excellent rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing. 509-575-2740 wdfw.wa.gov/reg/region3.htm
Hunting
The Yakima region offers more than 400,000 acres of Washington Fish & Wildlife owned land and an additional 180,000 acres of private land offer good to excellent hunting prospects for upland birds, waterfowl, and big game. 509-575-2740 wdfw.wa.gov/reg/region3.htm Private facilities offer outdoor pistol, rifle and archery ranges with trap skeet and sporting clays as well as an indoor range and complete service center.
Climate
The Yakima Valley’s climate is mild and dry, having the characteristics of both maritime and continental climates modified by the Cascade and Rocky Mountains.
Climate Dry Semi-Arid
Elevation 1,068 feet above sea level
Sunshine 300 days
Rain 7-10 inches
Snow 14-25 inches
Temperature Range Highs 37Fº to 90Fº and Lows 20Fº to 58Fº
Weather Information
National Weather Service Forecast 541-276-4493
Washington State Road & pass Information 1-800-695-7623 www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/
Art Matters!
The Allied Arts Center of Yakima Valley focuses on art to inspire new perspectives; improve rates of academic success in reading, math and language proficiency; produce higher levels of empathy and tolerance for others; improve self-concept and motivation; build cultural pride and self-esteem; and improve quality of life. 509-966-0930, http://www.alliedartsyakima.org/
Local Music Festivals
The Seasons Spring Music Festival - Late April 509-453-1888, http://www.seasonsmusicfestival.com/
Edge Fest - Early June 509-574-4775, www.myspace.com/edgefest509
Rock the Gap - Early June 509-453-8280, http://www.yakimagreenway.org/
4th of July - State Fair Park http://www.yakima4thofjuly.org/
Summer Sunset Concerts - July thru August 509-575-6020, www.ci.yakima.wa.us/services/parks
Yakima Folklife Festival - Second weekend in July 509-248-0747, folklife.yakimavalleymuseum.org
Moxee Hop Festival - First weekend in August 509 452-5632, www.evcea.org
A Case of the Blues & All That Jazz - Third Saturday of August 509-453-8280,http://www.yakimagreenway.org/
Whistlestop! Music Festival - Fourth Saturday of August 509-865-3262, http://www.toppenish.net/
Central Washington State Fair Concert Series - Ten days in late September 509-248-7160,http://www.fairfun.com/
The Seasons Fall Music Festival - October 509-453-1888, http://www.seasonsmusicfestival.com/
Fresh Hop Ale Festival - First Saturday of October, 509-966-0930, http://www.freshhopalefestival.org/
Folklife Concert Series - Monthly, October through April, 509-248-0747, folklife.yakimavalleymuseum.org
Yakama Nation Annual Tribal Jam - November, 509-865-5363
Community Music
Summer Sunset Concerts are hosted at Franklin Park on Thursday evenings from July through August. These family music events include arts and crafts as well as swimming pool activity time. 509-575-6020,www.ci.yakima.wa.us/services/parks
Yakima Valley Community Band is best known for its summer series Concerts in the Park. Begun in 1919, the band works to provide live music for Yakima Valley communities; to enhance community appreciation of art and music and its history; and to provide adult instrumental musicians a venue of performances. 509-248-5547, http://www.yakimacommunityband.org/
Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Chorus hosts touring professionals and regularly performs several concerts each season at various venues. Performance auditions and rehearsal times are posted on their web sites. 509-248-1414, http://www.yakimasymphony.org/ and http://www.yakimasymphonychorus.org/
Seasons Performance Hall and Music Festival offers year-round programming and attracts nationally recognized jazz and classical musicians to play the hall. Two major classical/jazz music festivals each year focus on encouraging a conversation between classical and jazz music and musicians. 509-453-1888,http://www.seasonsmusicfestival.com/
Art Gallery Exhibitions
Larson Gallery exhibits focus on a range of themes and works, and promotes visual art language to the community with art educational activities, lectures, workshops, and tours. The annual Central Washington Artists Exhibition is each November. 509-574-4875, http://www.larsongallery.org/
The Peggy Lewis Gallery displays eight major art exhibits each year. Their annual Juried Art Exhibit is a destination for emerging and recognized artists. (509) 966-0930, www.larsongallery.org
The Simon Gallery features a range of artwork from well-known Pacific Northwest and international artists. (509) 248-6886, www.simongallery.com
Poetry
Poetry Open Mike invites everyone to attend and revel in your own spoken word splendor, or watch local poets (expert to novice) wow the crowd. The nights lead up to the annual Juried Poetry Contest & Reading.509-966-0930, http://www.alliedartsyakima.org/
Theatre Performances
The Warehouse Theatre Company (WTC) provides affordable live theatre to the Yakima Valley. WTC produces five shows in an intimate 200-seat theatre at the Allied Arts Center -- originally a fruit warehouse! WTC encourages everyone to audition for our productions and also work backstage. Its Family Theatre Seriesbrings live theatre to Valley families. Each year three performances a year are held at the Allied Arts Center Theatre, Toppenish or Davis high school auditoriums at a low-ticket price to encourage families to attend. 509-966-0930 / 966-0951, http://www.alliedartsyakima.org/
The Capitol Theatre remains a testament to the community's dedication to its past and to the arts. The stage is home to the productions from the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, Town Hall and Community Concerts. The Capitol Theatre annually hosts several performances - Best of Boardway and Capitol Kids. Capitol Kids offers a full spectrum of arts education programs for school-age children such as theatre history, etiquette and discussions of upcoming performances. 509-853-8000, http://www.capitoltheatre.org/
The Yakima Valley Community College drama program present seasonal theater performances 509-574-4837, http://www.yvcc.edu/
Contact local schools for student theater productions.
Film Festivals
White Pass Film Festival - April 509-672-3101, http://www.skiwhitepass.com/
Allied Arts Outdoor Cinema - April through August 509-966-0930, http://www.alliedartsyakima.org/
The Ellensburg Film Festival - October (509) 962-6191, www.ellensburgfilmfestival.com
Yakama Nation Film Festival - November 509-865-2800, http://www.yakamamuseum.com/
Community Favorites
Millennium Arts Plaza
Designed by renowned artist Wen-ti Tsen, the Millennium Arts Plaza, in downtown Yakima, is a dynamic gathering place and serves as a symbol that Yakima is striving to make its community a stronger, more vibrant and more livable place. The Plaza is a work of public art where residents and visitors can cherish and engage in the past, present and future of the Yakima Valley. 509-966-0930 http://www.alliedartsyakima.org/
Yakima Valley Museum
Exhibits focus on the natural landscape of the Yakima Valley and the people who have made their homes here. The museum has a superb collection of horse-drawn vehicles from stagecoach to hearse; a historical exhibit and reconstruction of the Washington DC office of former Yakima resident and environmentalist, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas; and a changing schedule of special exhibitions.509-248-0747 http://www.yakimavalleymuseum.org/
Yakama Nation Cultural Heritage Center
The center houses many Indian artifacts and features a historic diorama. Tours are available. The features include a life-size dwelling of the Plateau People, exhibits that tell the story of the Yakama People, special sound effects, narratives and music and a mannequin exhibit of The Great Native American Leaders. The complex has a gift shop, restaurant, theater, library and winter lodge. 509-865-2800 http://www.yakamamuseum.com/
Fort Simcoe State Park Heritage Site
Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in an old oak grove watered by natural springs, Fort Simcoe was an 1850s-era military installation established to keep peace between the settlers and Indians. Before the fort era, the site was an Indian campground where many trails crossed.509-874-2372, http://www.parks.wa.gov/
Central Washington Agricultural Museum
This outdoor facility displays an extensive collection of farm machinery donated by Yakima Valley and Central Washington farm families in semi-open buildings. The collection includes an operating windmill, fruit-packing line, blacksmith shop and stationary diesel engines and other items such as a portable hop-picking machine, pea picker, and horse drawn machinery.509-457-8735,www.centralwaagmuseum.org
American Hop Museum
The museum chronicles the history of the American hop industry from its early days in the New England colonies to the rapid expansion into California and ultimately the Pacific Northwest. Hops were introduced by the first colonists, and were grown on Manhattan Island as early as 1607.509-865-4677, http://www.americanhopmuseum.org/
McAllister Museum Of Aviation
In 1926 pioneer aviators Charlie and Allister McAllister opened their flight school in Yakima. This historic flight school operated for 73 years to become the oldest continuously operating flight school in the Northwest. Charlie's death at the age of 95 marked the transformation of the flight school into the McAllister Museum of Aviation. From Charlie's connection to Orville Wright, who signed his first flying license, to Bonnie Dunbar and the space shuttle, the short history of aviation continues to have many ties in the Central Washington area. Yakima was the place that the first woman performed a demonstration flight in a Curtis Pusher in 1913, just ten years after Orville Wright flew in Kittyhawk. Through the displays and tour guides, you can learn the many historic stories of our area.509-457-4933, http://www.mcallistermuseum.org/
Yakima Valley Trolley
The trolley is the last authentic, all-original turn-of-the-century interurban railroad in the US. The railroad was constructed between 1907 and 1913. Its greatest length was a little over 44 miles. Its present length is a little over 5 miles. It connects the city of Yakima with the town of Selah. It has operated every year since 1907. The YVT built a stone and timber car barn/shop building and a concrete and masonry substation in Yakima in 1910 that are still in use today. The overhead wire and the track are original also. The trolleys provide a historical, educational trip for sightseers and students of vintage rail transit. 509-452-7963, http://www.yakimavalleytrolleys.org/
Northern Pacific Railway Museum
The museum presents the west’s largest collection of Northern Pacific railway memorabilia. Guided tours of the Northern Pacific Railway Museum are available, with opportunities to view the restoration of the NP 1364 steam engine, and you can take a short ride in one of the cabooses. 509-865-1911, http://www.nprymuseum.org/
Yakima Valley Arboretum
A living museum and botanical garden is open daily from dawn until dusk. The Jewett Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am - 4pm 509-248-7337, http://www.ahtrees.org/
Old North Yakima Historic District
The Old North Yakima Historic District, recognized in 1987, includes a collection of nine buildings constructed between 1889 and 1914. Remaining structures in the district reflect the grand scale and preeminent role of the railroad in the development and founding of Yakima. Structures in the district are characterized by decorative brick work and detail typical of turn-of-the-century architecture.
Construction of the trolley line in 1907 provided a crucial link for the community to the railroad depot, and added vitality to the downtown. To accommodate trolley and railroad lines, the streets were surfaced with brick pavers by 1908. Over the early years, North Front Street had a variety of small business and shops. Sidewalks lined with trees were part of the first street pattern in Yakima. The Northern Pacific Railroad maintained in attractive parkway of lawns, trees and flowerbeds adjacent to the depot. Curving sidewalks, a fountain and gazebo were located in the site of the current depot.
In 1909, the existing depot was constructed and the parkway paved over with brick. The original herringbone and traditional cobblestone patterns are visible in some locations. Light to basements was provided in some of the original buildings via glass tiles set in the sidewalks. Now aged to a deep purple color, these tiles are still visible, along with the patent plaque, dated 1907. Recent installations include period street lighting, fire hydrants, and tree wells.
Car Shows
American Reflections - Second weekend in May http://www.americanreflections.blogspot.com/
Truck Show - Early May (509) 453-5780
Vette-a-bration Car Show - Second week in June
Yakima Swap Meet - Second week in June
Union Gap Old Town Days - Third weekend in June 509 248-0432, http://www.ci.union-gap.wa.us/
Vintiques Northwest Nationals - First weekend in August http://www.vintiques.com/
Make A Wish Show/Shine - Fourth Saturday in August
Vintiques UnRun - First Saturday in August http://www.vintiques.com/
Ponies In The Sun - Second Saturday in September
Volksfest - Third weekend in September www.vintiques.com
Home and Garden
Central Washington Bridal Show - January 509 654-5739, http://www.yakimabridalshow.com/
Remodeling on Parade - Spring 509-454-4006, http://www.cwhba.org/
Home & Garden Show - March 509-454-4006, http://www.cwhba.org/
The Arbor Festival - Second Saturday in April 509-248-7337, http://www.ahtrees.org/
The Garden Tour - Mid June 509-248-7337, http://www.ahtrees.org/
Festival of Flowers - Mid June (509) 965-7100
Tour of Homes - Mid September 509-454-4006, http://www.cwhba.org/
Yakima Avenue Parades
Memorial Day Parade - Memorial Day
Sunfair Parade - First Saturday of the Central Washington State Fair, September
Veteran's Day Parade - November 10
Annual Children's Holiday Lighted Parade - First Sunday in December
Holiday Events
Cinco de Mayo - May 5, Millenium Arts Plaza
4th of July - State Fair Park www.yakima4thofjuly.org
End of Summer - Sunday of Labor Day weekend at Seasons Performance Hall (509) 453-1888,www.seasonsmusicfestival.com
Luminaria - Second week in December, Yakima Area Arboretum (509) 248-7337, www.ahtrees.org
Old Fashion Holiday - Second Saturday in December (509) 248-0432, www.ci.union-gap.wa.us
New Year's Eve Celebration - December 31, Millenium Arts Plaza (509) 576-3606
Community Celebrations
Central Washington Tractor Run - Early May (509) 833-9635
Selah Community Days - Third weekend in May, www.selahdays.org
Yakama Nation Treaty Days - Early June, http://www.yakamamuseum.com/
Military and Fort Simcoe History - A free family weekend in June at the Ft. Simcoe State Park Heritage site,(509) 874-2372
Old Town Days - Third weekend in June in Union Gap (509) 248-0432, http://www.ci.union-gap.wa.us/
Nile Valley Days - Third weekend in June at the Jim Sprick Park
Central Washington Antique Farm Exposition - Third weekend in August at Fullbright Park (509) 453-2395
Menudo Festival - Mid September in Granger (509) 854-7304
Central Washington State Fair - Ten days in late September at State Fair Park (509) 248-7160,http://www.fairfun.com/
Tamale Festival - October in Wapato (509) 877-9906
Farmers Market and Fairs
Downtown Yakima - Sundays, May through October 509-457-5765, http://www.yakimafarmersmarket.org/
Downtown Selah Saturdays, June through October 509-965-1558
Washington’s Fruit Place April through December 509-966-1275, http://www.treeriped.com/
West Valley Fair & Rodeo First weekend of August 509-965-5612
Yakima Valley Fair and Rodeo - Second weekend in August http://www.yvfair-rodeo.org/
Hop Events
Moxee Hop Festival - First weekend in August (509) 452-5632, http://www.evcea.org/
Fresh Hop Ale Festival - First Saturday in October at the Millennium Arts Plaza (509) 966-0930,http://www.freshhoppalefestival.org/
Wine Tasting Rooms
Bonair Winery 509-829-6027 http://www.bonairwine.com/
Eaton Hill Winery 509-854-2220
509-249-9049 http://www.gilbercellars.com/
Gilbert Cellars (509) 249-9049 http://www.gilbertcellars.com/
Kana Winery 509-453-6611 http://www.kanawinery.com/
Masset Winery 509-877-6675 http://www.massetwinery.com/
Piety Flats 509-877-3115 http://www.pietyflatswinery.com/
Wineglass Cellars 509-829-3011 http://www.wineglasscellars.com/
Wine Events
Red Wine and Chocolate President’s Weekend
Driving Out the Snakes St. Patricks Day - March
Spring Barrel Tasting Last weekend inApril
Red, White & Blues Fest Last weekend in June
Taste the Grapes October
Hallowine Last weekend in October
Thanksgiving in Wine Country Fourth weekend in November
For more Wine Events information contact the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail 1-888-375-7498http://www.rattlesnakehills.com/
For more events information contact the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce 509-248-2021http://www.yakima.org/